Garrett Mitchell, widely known by his YouTube persona Cleetus McFarland, is set to compete in the ARCA Menards Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway next weekend. This marks his third appearance in the series, following his debut at Daytona International Speedway in February and a notable 10th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway in April. Mitchell will drive the No. 30 Ford for Rette Jones Racing in the General Tire 150, scheduled for Friday, May 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. ET. (
Mitchell’s entry into the ARCA Menards Series has generated significant attention, both on and off the track. His YouTube channel boasts over 4 million subscribers, and his in-car footage during races has attracted tens of thousands of live viewers. For instance, during the Talladega race, his onboard camera drew approximately 70,000 live viewers, highlighting his influence in bringing new audiences to the sport.
Beyond his digital presence, Mitchell’s racing skills have begun to shine. At Talladega, despite a mechanical issue that reduced his car’s power, he managed to secure a top-10 finish. He described the experience as a testament to his adaptability and determination, stating, “I was able to make that maneuver… dodged right out of there… and slid in for a number 10 finish.”
Industry figures have taken notice of Mitchell’s impact. NASCAR influencer Taylor Kitchen expressed her support, acknowledging that Mitchell’s involvement has boosted ARCA’s viewership and brought a fresh dynamic to the series. She remarked, “With ARCA receiving some of its best viewership ratings in over a decade, the ‘Cleetus Effect’ cannot be denied.”
Looking ahead, Mitchell has hinted at a potential future in racing. In a recent interview, he admitted to having “the bug bad” for racing and left open the possibility of participating in more ARCA events. He noted, “That might scratch my itch, or I might do good at Talladega and say screw it, Iβm running the season.”
As the General Tire 150 approaches, all eyes will be on Mitchell to see if he can continue his upward trajectory in the ARCA Menards Series. His blend of digital influence and emerging racing talent has the potential to reshape the landscape of grassroots motorsports.
Fans and newcomers alike can catch the action live on FS1 or stream it via the Fox Sports App. The race promises to be a compelling showcase of talent and entertainment, with Mitchell at the forefront of this evolving narrative in motorsports.
